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Curtis LeMay: The Firebombing of Tokyo and the Road to the Atomic Bomb

Jimmy Butler

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Published in Black Snow: Curtis LeMay The Firebombing Of Tokyo And The Road To The Atomic Bomb

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Curtis LeMay was a towering figure in American military history, known both for his brilliance and his ruthlessness. As a general in the United States Air Force during World War II, he was responsible for the devastating firebombing of Tokyo, a raid that killed hundreds of thousands of people and turned much of the city to ash. LeMay's actions were controversial, but they also played a significant role in ending the war. In the years after the war, LeMay continued to serve in high-ranking positions, and he remained a vocal advocate for the use of nuclear weapons.

Black Snow: Curtis LeMay, the Firebombing of Tokyo, and the Road to the Atomic Bomb

by James M. Scott

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	432 pages

Early Life and Career

Curtis Emerson LeMay was born on November 15, 1906, in Columbus, Ohio. His father was an Army officer, and his mother was a schoolteacher. LeMay attended Ohio State University, where he studied engineering. In 1928, he joined the Army Air Corps, and he quickly rose through the ranks. By the outbreak of World War II, he was a colonel and commanded a bomber group in England.

The Firebombing of Tokyo

In March 1945, LeMay was given command of the XX Bomber Command, which was responsible for the strategic bombing of Japan. LeMay believed that the best way to defeat Japan was to destroy its cities and industrial centers. On March 9, 1945, he Free Downloaded a raid on Tokyo that used incendiary bombs. The raid was devastatingly effective, and it killed hundreds of thousands of people. LeMay's actions were controversial, but they also played a significant role in ending the war.

The Road to the Atomic Bomb

After the firebombing of Tokyo, LeMay was appointed to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he played a key role in the development of the atomic bomb. LeMay believed that the atomic bomb was necessary to end the war quickly and decisively. He also believed that the United States should not hesitate to use the bomb against Japan.

Post-War Career

After the war, LeMay continued to serve in high-ranking positions in the Air Force. He was promoted to general in 1948, and he became Chief of Staff of the Air Force in 1957. LeMay remained a vocal advocate for the use of nuclear weapons, and he played a key role in the development of the Air Force's nuclear strategy.

Legacy

Curtis LeMay was a brilliant and ruthless general who played a significant role in World War II. His actions were controversial, but they also helped to end the war. LeMay was a complex and contradictory figure, and his legacy is still debated today.

Curtis LeMay was one of the most important military figures of the 20th century. His actions during World War II were controversial, but they also played a significant role in ending the war. LeMay was a brilliant and ruthless general, and his legacy is still debated today.

Black Snow: Curtis LeMay, the Firebombing of Tokyo, and the Road to the Atomic Bomb

by James M. Scott

4 out of 5